Former Staffers Accuse Congressman Swalwell of Explicit Messages and Misconduct

Annika Albrecht and Ally Sammarco detail allegations of inappropriate behavior in CBS News interview

Apr. 14, 2026 at 6:38pm

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A dimly lit office desk with a laptop, coffee mug, and scattered papers, bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conceptually representing the weight of power and political intrigue surrounding the allegations against the congressman.The growing allegations against Congressman Swalwell cast a somber shadow over the political landscape, raising questions about the abuse of power and the treatment of women in positions of influence.Beverly Hills Today

Two former staffers of Congressman Eric Swalwell have come forward with allegations of sexual misconduct, including claims of explicit messages and invitations to hotel rooms. Annika Albrecht and Ally Sammarco sat down for a CBS News interview, describing how Swalwell's behavior went from 'platonic and professional' to increasingly inappropriate. A third accuser, Lonna Drewes, also held a press conference alleging that Swalwell drugged and raped her in 2018.

Why it matters

The accusations against Swalwell, a prominent Democratic politician who was running for California governor, raise serious concerns about abuse of power and the treatment of women in politics. The growing number of accusers coming forward could significantly impact Swalwell's political future and the public's trust in elected officials.

The details

In the CBS News interview, Sammarco said Swalwell's messages became 'explicit,' including him asking what she was wearing and sending a photo of his genitals. Albrecht, who worked in Democratic Party politics, said she stayed silent for years out of fear of retaliation, but decided to speak out when Swalwell launched his gubernatorial campaign. Drewes, the third accuser, plans to file a police report alleging that Swalwell drugged and raped her in 2018.

  • The CBS News interview with Albrecht and Sammarco aired on April 14, 2026.
  • Lonna Drewes held a press conference in Beverly Hills, California on April 14, 2026.

The players

Eric Swalwell

A former U.S. Congressman from California who was running for governor of California before the allegations surfaced.

Annika Albrecht

A former Democratic Party staffer who has accused Swalwell of sending 'sexually inappropriate' Snapchat messages and inviting her to his hotel room.

Ally Sammarco

A former staffer who has accused Swalwell of sending explicit messages, including a photo of his genitals, and pushing to meet up with her.

Lonna Drewes

A woman who has accused Swalwell of drugging and raping her in 2018, and plans to file a police report.

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What they’re saying

“'Asking me what I was wearing. Then one night he was on a trip, and he was laying in his hotel room bed -- and then he sent me a photo of his penis.'”

— Ally Sammarco, Former Staffer

“'I was terrified that if I spoke out against him, then people would think that I was a loose cannon, that I couldn't be trusted, that maybe I'm making it up.'”

— Annika Albrecht, Former Democratic Party Staffer

“'The idea that this man, who has already abused his power, would be given even more power and could potentially harm even more women made my whole body sick.'”

— Annika Albrecht, Former Democratic Party Staffer

What’s next

Lonna Drewes plans to file a police report against Swalwell regarding the alleged 2018 incident.

The takeaway

The growing number of accusations against Swalwell, a prominent Democratic politician, underscores the need for greater accountability and transparency around misconduct in politics. These allegations raise serious concerns about the abuse of power and the treatment of women, which could have significant implications for Swalwell's political future and the public's trust in elected officials.